Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even contested.
Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.
Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event
This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.
London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.
Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations
It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.
Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.
Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo
For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.
This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.
From Edinburgh, Alternative View
Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.
"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.
"After that, we tried to locate groups, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.
Unique Chance
Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.
This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.
Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing sold-out events.
Live Observation
For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.
"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."
The Matches
To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.
The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.
Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match echoes around the auditorium.
Front Row Positions
The positions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.
During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.
Behind the Scenes
Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they consider the sport.
The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."
But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.
Coming Obstacles
Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.
Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.
Worldwide Following
Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.
"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more part of it."
For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.
"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."
